Transition

Work is currently underway by local people to transition and transform Gippsland into a more inclusive, sustainable and prosperous region.

Transition in Gippsland

Transition has been occurring across Gippsland for several years now, prompted by major industry closures, drought, bushfires, climate change, and more recently the COVID-19 pandemic.

The sudden closure of Hazelwood Power Station in 2017 highlighted the importance of everyone working together to shape a future that is both sustainable and resilient.

Stimulus investments from the Victorian Government in local business, community and sporting infrastructure, combined with a keen focus on keeping spend in the region through GROW Gippsland, has led to increased employment opportunities for local people.

By adopting the Smart Specialisation approach – an internationally trialled and tested method of bringing together industry, community, education and government to leverage a region’s competitive advantages, the Latrobe Valley Authority is focussed on opportunities associated with Gippsland’s four identified growth sectors: EnergyFood and fibre; Health and wellbeing, and Tourism.

Latrobe Valley and Gippsland Transition Plan

Learn more about how the plan is being developed, the transition principles and who is involved at our Latrobe Valley and Gippsland Transition Plan page.

Your say -  a discussion paper has been released

Find out how you can have your say, and what people have told us about how they want the region to look in 2035 at our Your say page.

Other transition work underway

National and international connections

We have gained significant interest from organisations across Victoria, Australia and abroad on how the Latrobe Valley Authority is working in partnership with the local community to undertake transition and long-term, sustainable transformation.

We are working closely with national and international agencies including in the Netherlands, United Kingdom, European Union, South Africa, USA, Chile, and the World Economic Forum.

As a result of this, the Smart Specialisation approach for Gippsland has been adopted as it aligns to the needs of the region and has demonstrated significant impact in transforming regions across the world.

Central to the Smart Specialisation approach is government, both state and local, education, industry and the community working together to identify and develop regional competitive advantages and long-term growth strategies and actions.

Being part of the Smart Specialisation global community has provided the Gippsland region with access to world renowned experts, knowledge and resources such as case studies and frameworks to explore and learn from.

If your organisation would like to learn more about the Latrobe Valley Authority’s transition work or the Smart Specialisation approach for Gippsland, please get in touch.

Victorian Forestry Plan

The Victorian Government has developed the Victorian Forestry Plan to assist the native timber industry as it manages its transition away from native forest harvesting.

Under the long-term plan, a $120 million package will help make sure workers, businesses and communities have the support they need during the transition.

For more information, please visit www.vic.gov.au/victorian-forestry-plan